New Delhi, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said he had discussed the safety of Indian seafarers and attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea during a conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, reiterating India’s strong condemnation of such incidents.
Sharing details of the conversation on social media platform X, Jaishankar said attacks on commercial vessels and Indian seafarers by any party were “absolutely unacceptable” and deserved unequivocal condemnation.
The External Affairs Minister also said the two leaders reviewed recent developments in the Ukraine conflict and ongoing peace efforts. He reiterated India’s consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving the conflict.
Jaishankar further highlighted the broader global implications of continuing conflicts, noting that multiple crises across different regions were adversely affecting fuel, fertiliser and food security, particularly for countries in the Global South. He added that both sides agreed to remain in contact.
The conversation comes amid growing concern over the safety of Indian crew members aboard a commercial vessel stranded at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port following continued drone and missile attacks in the Black Sea region.
On Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said it was closely monitoring the situation involving Indian seafarers and had accorded the matter the highest priority. The embassy stated that Indian officials were in constant touch with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of all Indian nationals on board.
According to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), 13 Indian nationals are among the 15-member crew stranded aboard the cargo vessel at Chornomorsk.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, following the attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI, which claimed the life of an Indian seafarer. India conveyed its serious concern over the incident and urged Ukrainian authorities to ensure that commercial vessels and civilian seafarers are not targeted, stressing that such attacks undermine maritime safety, freedom of navigation and international commerce.
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